Scottish Food Advisory Committee – 3 July 2012

Chairman Jim Wildgoose made specific reference to the recent announcement that the majority recommendation that there be a separate food standards agency for Scotland. He reported that there had been no discussion as yet on the subject but felt it right that the recommendation be noted. He said plans would be drawn up and stakeholders will be involved as the process goes forward. He assured his committee with the ink barely dry on the announcement that the SFAC would be included in the consultations as well.

The meeting agenda had a focus on science and for the meat industry only of limited interest. That said Ian Anderson of SAMW and Charlotte Maltin of QMS were also in attendance.

Via a video link from Aviation House, Patrick Miller presented the FSA Review of Science Governance and was followed by Esther Heller on the Annual Report of the Chief Scientist. This review was thorough and demonstrated the extensive work undertaken by FSA.

There were information items introduced by the Chair. This centred on the General Advisory Committee and its Science Annual Report, Quinquennial Review of General Advisory Committee on Science and the Quinquennial Review of the Advisory Committee on Novel Food.

SFAC member Dr Lesley Stanley reported on the SFAC Working Group on Foodborne Disease Strategy for Scotland.

FSA in Scotland Update was given by Elspeth Macdonald.
She reported that a Mini-Summit event was held on 11 June 2012 in Edinburgh to explore the potential impact of Local Authority budget cuts on the food law enforcement system. The event was well attended with all 32 Local Authorities represented, as well as the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee, the Royal Environmental Health Institute for Scotland and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

Three presentations were provided by Local Authority officers providing insight in to the issues that are being faced by Local Authorities after which workshops with delegates discussed potential risks of budget cuts on food safety and how the FSA can potentially influence prioritisation of food law enforcement. Generally there is concern about the supply of EHOs going forward.

A Front of Pack consultation meeting for stakeholders was held in Edinburgh and a Reformulation Workshop both in June.

Douglas Scott
03/07/12